A Lifestyle Maternity Session at Home | Chicago

Happy Thursday! Today I wanted to cover the topic of maternity pictures and a common theme that comes up with my clients.

I get approached by many pregnant women who want to get maternity photos, but when they scroll through Instagram or the internet for inspiration or to find a photographer, they keep seeing these images of done up women with long curly hair, flowy maternity dresses, and endless green fields – do you know what kind I am talking about? 

Now, there is no doubt that these images are gorgeous and the women that choose this kind of session were probably over the moon with the results, but the thing is, there are many other women, me included, who find that these photos don’t resonate with them. 

If I never wear that kind of dresses in my real life, then why would I do it for maternity pictures? It just does not feel like me!

The thing is, pregnancy is such a special part of a woman’s life that I absolutely think all women should document it in pictures. But if you do, you have make sure you feel, not just beautiful and overjoyed, but also authentic and comfortable. 

One alternative I recommend, and that is popular with my clients, is to get lifestyle images in your home. I love this idea because, on addition to focusing on the lovely mama to be and the cute bump, it is a good opportunity to feature your partner and the space where you will welcome your little one and make memories. Your bedroom where a newborn will spend his/her first days. The nursery where the baby will grow. The nook where you will read him/her books. The toys, blankets, and other items that the baby will use, and so on… 

Take a look at this maternity session I recently did and let me know what you think in the comments. By the way, this baby came early and was born the day after I took these photos! So lucky we got them in time.